William Morris by Frederick Hollyer, 1887

William Morris (1834-1896) was a prominent British artist, designer, writer, and social activist. He played a significant role in the late 19th-century Arts and Crafts Movement and was a key figure in the revival of traditional craftsmanship and design.

Born in Walthamstow, England, Morris was exposed to the beauty of nature during his childhood, which greatly influenced his artistic sensibilities. He studied at Marlborough College and later at Exeter College, Oxford, where he developed a deep interest in medieval history, literature, and art.

Morris' artistic career began with his partnership in the design firm Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co., which aimed to bring together artists and craftsmen to produce high-quality decorative arts. He contributed to various aspects of design, including textiles, wallpaper, stained glass, furniture, and bookbinding. His designs were characterized by intricate patterns, rich colors, and a celebration of nature and medieval motifs.

In addition to his design work, Morris was a prolific writer and poet. He wrote extensively on topics such as art, aesthetics, socialism, and environmentalism. His best-known works include "The Defence of Guenevere and Other Poems" and "News from Nowhere," a utopian novel envisioning a future society based on common ownership and craftsmanship.

Morris was also deeply committed to social and political causes. He actively participated in the socialist movement and co-founded the Socialist League in 1884. He advocated for workers' rights, opposed the exploitative nature of industrial capitalism, and promoted the idea of a more equitable society.

Throughout his life, Morris strove to integrate art with social and political ideals. He believed that good design should be accessible to all and that the built environment could shape people's well-being and happiness. His ideas had a lasting impact on the arts and crafts movement, inspiring generations of artists, designers, and architects.

William Morris' legacy as a multi-talented artist, designer, and social activist continues to be celebrated today. His emphasis on craftsmanship, beauty, and social justice remains relevant, and his work continues to inspire those who seek to create a more harmonious and meaningful world through art and design. More Info Here

This Collection is very special to me as it is my first collection of work after welcoming our first child, a girl, in October of 2022. A few items I collected for her nursery were upholstered in a beautiful William Morris pattern, “Strawberry Thief” 1883. I immediately fell in love with his work and found his story inspiring. The color palettes for many of the small artworks in this collection are from his designs.

I was inspired by the below 8 patterns for my Summer Smalls Collection launching July 20th!

There will be about 65 small artwork pieces available in this collection. A shop link will be announced and available on July 20th at 2pm CST on Instagram, via email & website.

Sizes range from 6x6” to 24x24” for canvas, and 9x12” & 20x28” for papers. Prices range from $275 to $1,600.